The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has unveiled a massive initiative that is aimed at optimising passenger handling capacity across its 57 terminals across the country.
The development comes as a response to the rapid rise of the Indian Civil Aviation sector, presenting a solution to efficiently manage the escalating demands of air travel.
To manage the surge in passenger flow across all its airports, the Airports Authority of India is taking proactive steps to avoid congestion issues. #AAI’s Terminal Reconfiguration initiative to optimize passenger handling capacity for #AAI Airports is another significant step… pic.twitter.com/yqHVPIk8zi
— Airports Authority of India (@AAI_Official) April 8, 2024
— Airports Authority of India (@AAI_Official) Announcing the details on X, the AAI said, “With this comprehensive plan to enhance passenger handling capacity at its 57 terminals, the organisation will save more than Rs 10,000 Crore. The meticulous planning and efficient execution by AAI officials paved the way for the success of this initiative.”
Notably, the terminal reconfiguration initiative is poised to revolutionise the passenger experience while delivering substantial cost savings for AAI. By implementing comprehensive plans to enhance capacity, the organisation is aiming to save over Rs 10,000 crore.
Further, these revamped terminals will also cater to around 20 crore passengers, up from 10.5 crore at present, ensuring shorter waiting times and smoother travel experiences.
More than 50 airports will be transformed
Earlier, the authority mentioned that the transformative initiative will revolutionise 50 airports across India. This initiative involves strategically reconfiguring airport terminals to enhance functionality, efficiency and optimise passenger handling capacities.
Under the mega endeavor, the terminal areas are being repurposed and transformed into functional spaces that cater to the evolving needs of modern travelers. The focus is on increasing the number of check-in counters, X-BIS machines, along with expanding security hold areas and boarding gates.
AAI’s expansion plan
Under the expansion and enhancement of airport infrastructure, the AAI is guided by factors such as land availability, commercial feasibility, socio-economic considerations, traffic demands, and airlines’ willingness to operate at specific airports.
In July 2023, the Ministry of Civil Aviation addressed the escalating air traffic demands, and how AAI and other operators have earmarked a capital outlay of approximately Rs. 98,000 crore in the airport sector from 2019 to 2024.
It is noteworthy that the investment is allocated for various projects including the construction of Greenfield Airports and new terminals, expansion and modernization of existing terminals, and strengthening of runways, among other crucial activities.